The Pip Berry Tree

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Friday, April 23, 2010

Craft Shows That Don't Go So Well.

Anyone who has been crafting long enough has most likely tried their luck selling at a craft shows. I myself have rented space at different venues over the years, and for the most made out just fine, and have met some very nice people along the way.

But what is a gal to do when the craft show is a bust? So far I've been lucky enough to have only endured two craft shows like that. The last being this past Sunday.

Okay, the economy is still bad, so that is working against all of us. The show was at a local high school that I knew nothing about except that the folks have been running the craft show for several years now. The spaces were tiny...ugh. Nothing like being crammed in and having neighbors who don't respect your space.

Speaking of neighbors, have you ever had to deal with a neighboring vendor who talks to you the WHOLE time. No. not talks to you, but talks "at" you regardless of whether you have customers or not. Short of keeping your back to the neighbor, or saying, "Listen...I really am trying to work here." What else can a gal do?

Craft shows are hit or miss...we all know that, but it's good to know how to handle certain situations (like the ones I've mention) before hand this way even in a bad economy we can draw customers into our space and hopefully make a sale. So here's are some of things I try to do to at least have a shot at making the craft shows I attend profitable.

1) Make sure my area is clean, aesthetically pleasing to the eye and appealing as possible, and have everything priced clearly.

2) Smile and greet everyone who walks up to my space then let them know I am available if they need my help, but then step back and give them space to shop.

3) Be polite and courteous to my neighbors around me, and DON'T intrude on their space of talk their ear off.

4) Always have a drawing for a free item, this way I can build a mailing list of customers.

5) Never leave the show early, because someone may buy at the very end.

What are some of your tips or suggestions to make a craft show as successful as possible? Have you ever sold at a show where you didn't make one sale or had a pesty or intrusive neighbor? How did you handle it? Do you still do craft shows, or have you given them up for good? If so how do you sell your products?

4 comments:

My tip would to dress in clean clothes, take a bath, wash your hair, and wear some make up. You are representing your business. About 5 years ago I did a Art show outside, and it was hot. The lady two tents down, put on her bathing suit, sad part was she was very over weight, and did not look good in her little suit!

Ohhhh...that's not very good. Dressing the part for your business is very important. You know what they say about first impressions. :) How about having a neighboring vendor talking so much to you that they ignore their own customers and interfer with your sales? Have you ever had that?

I've never exhibited at a craft show. I would love to but I'm a bit scared to. I do agree with dressing the part (and all your other tips). I make jewellery but don't tend to wear a lot of it on a day to day basis. Nowadays I make a point of wearing something I've made when I go out to social occasions and I'll make something for the event if I don't have something suitable. One of these days it might result in a new customer. You never know.

I could write a book about craft show fiascoes, but don't be discouraged, you never know till you try if it will turn out well. Walls help the most if you can have them, anything to separate yourself from the next vendor. Next time hold off a bit and try to sit in the opposite corner, just in case. Here in Michigan, many people who do handmade items have dropped out because of the influx of manufactured stuff that gets included in the shows. Too bad it has ruined them for lots of us, I really enjoyed them and made lots of friends. I love hearing about your experiences, so fill us in on the next one.

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About Me

I am a mother of five wonderful children, two of which service our country in the Army, and a Mom Mom of one lovely little boy. I have been married for 14 years to a terrific man, have three beautiful German Shepherds that I am absolutely crazy about, and volunteer for a German Shepherd rescue, and a low cost spay and neuter clinic. I live in a beautiful log home on 5 acres and am surrounded by glorious woods, rolling meadows, and peaceful lakes. It is heaven on earth here in the Pocono Mountains.